Sylvia Rexach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sylvia Rexach
|
|
|---|---|
Rexach was the founder of the "Las Damiselas", the first Combo in Puerto Rico consisting entirely of women.
|
|
| Background information | |
| Born | January 22, 1922 Santurce, Puerto Rico |
| Died | October 20, 1961 San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Genres | Bolero |
| Occupation(s) |
|
Sylvia Rexach (born January 22, 1922 – died October 20, 1961) was a talented woman from Puerto Rico. She was a comedy writer, a poet, a singer, and a composer of bolero songs. Boleros are a type of slow, romantic music.
Contents
Early Life and Talent
Sylvia Rexach was born and grew up in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Her parents were Julio E. Rexach and María Teresa González. She went to public school for her early education. Later, she attended a private school and then Central High School in Santurce.
Even when she was only 14 years old, Sylvia showed amazing talent. She wrote several poems that later became parts of her songs. Her teachers were very impressed when she composed songs like "Di, Corazón" (Tell me, Heart) and "Matiz de Amor" (Calm Love). Sylvia also learned to play many musical instruments. She could play the guitar, the piano, and the saxophone from a young age.
Serving Her Country
Sylvia started studying at the University of Puerto Rico. She planned to study law. However, in 1942, the United States entered World War II. Sylvia decided to leave college and join the United States Army.
She became a member of the WACS, which stood for the Women Army Corps Service. In the army, she worked as an office clerk.
After the War
After World War II ended, Sylvia left the army. She married an army officer named William J. Riley. They had three children together, including a daughter named Sharon Riley, who later became an actress and singer.
Sylvia and William eventually divorced. Sylvia then moved back to Puerto Rico. She started working at a radio station as a writer for funny shows. She wrote scripts for famous producers and comedians like Tommy Muñiz and Ramón Rivero.
Sylvia also made history by starting the first music group in Puerto Rico that was made up only of women. They called themselves Las Damiselas (The Damsels). Besides Sylvia, the group included Idalia Rosario, Marta Romero, Millita Quiñones, Elena Rita Ortiz, and Ketty Cabán.
Music Career and Legacy
In 1951, Sylvia Rexach wrote a newspaper column called "A Sotto Voce." In this column, she shared her thoughts as a music critic. She also helped create The Puerto Rican Society of Authors, Composers and Music Editors. This group helps protect the rights of musicians and writers. Sylvia was the Secretary Director of this society until she passed away.
Sylvia's songs were very special. They could be soft and romantic, or sometimes strong and full of emotion. Some of her most famous songs that became popular in Puerto Rico and other places include:
- "Alma Adentro" (Inner Soul) – This song was a tribute to her brother who died in an accident.
- "Idilio"
- "Olas y Arenas" (Waves and Sands)
- "Mi Versión" (My Version)
- "Nave sin Rumbo" (Wandering Ship)
- "Di, Corazón"
- "Matiz de Amor"
She even wrote a funny song called "Cuchú cuchía" with another famous composer, Rafael Hernández Marín.
Sylvia Rexach passed away on October 20, 1961, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was buried in Cementerio Buxeda in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Honoring Sylvia Rexach
Many other artists have recorded Sylvia's songs. Some of these famous singers include Marco Antonio Muñiz, Danny Rivera, Linda Ronstadt, and Ednita Nazario.
Two television shows have been made about Sylvia's life. One was called "Sylvia, en tu Memoria" (Sylvia, in your Memory). The other was Ángela Meyer's "El fondo del Dolor" (In the Deepest Pain), which starred Sylvia's daughter, Sharon Riley.
In 2001, Sylvia Rexach was honored by being included in the International Latin Music Hall of Fame. This is a very special award given to important figures in Latin music.
There are places named after Sylvia Rexach to remember her. There is a theater called "El Teatro Sylvia Rexach" in San Juan. Also, at the Luis A. Ferre Center of Fine Arts, there is a "Sylvia Rexach Cafe Theater."
On May 29, 2014, the government of Puerto Rico honored 12 amazing women. These women were recognized for their important contributions to Puerto Rican history. Plaques were placed in the "Plaza en Honor a la Mujer Puertorriqueña" (Plaza Honoring Puerto Rican Women) in San Juan. Sylvia Rexach was one of the women honored.
